As if a man should say, What was this goodly ENGLAND, the only Nation of all the Earth, and yet now all laid waste in this fearful manner? Whence came this heavy displeasure, and what doth mean this fierce wrath of the Lord? Now mark what follows, All men shall say, that is, even the wicked themselves, all standers by shall give sentence on the Lords side, and justify his doings, and say, Alas, can you blame the Lord for dealing thus fiercely against such a stubborn rebellious people? What would you have had the Lord done more, he gave them a Law, and Mercies, and Judgements, but they would not serve the Lord, but brake the bands asunder, and cast the cords behind their backs. 1Therefore now they shall serve enemies. God is not to be blamed, What could he have done, or what would you have had him do more then he did for them? Threatenings from Mount Eball, and Blessings from Mount Gerizzim flue about from this side, and on that side, and yet nothing would do them good: Why should they live any longer then? what should the Lord do? they profited by nothing, neither by his mercies, nor his judgements; and what was the cause, brethren? Here was the cause, they were false hearted, they would not walk sincerely with the Lord; and therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he rooted them out of their Land in his wrath, and in great indignation. Oh the fearful wrath of the Lord that came upon them!
As if a man should say, What was this goodly ENGLAND, the onely Nation of all the Earth, and yet now all laid waste in this fearefull manner? Whence came this heavie displeasure, and what doth meane this fierce wrath of the Lord? Now marke what followes, All men shall say, that is, even the wicked themselves, all standers by shall give sentence on the Lords side, and justifie his doings, and say, Alas, can you blame the Lord for dealing thus fiercely against such a stubborne rebellious people? What would you have had the Lord done more, he gave them a Law, and Mercies, and Iudgements, but they would not serve the Lord, but brake the bands asunder, and cast the cords behinde their backs. 1Therefore now they shall serve enemies. God is not to be blamed, What could he have done, or what would you have had him doe more then he did for them? Threatnings from Mount Eball, and Blessings from Mount Gerizzim flue about from this side, and on that side, and yet nothing would doe them good: Why should they live any longer then? what should the Lord doe? they profited by nothing, neither by his mercies, nor his judgements; and what was the cause, brethren? Here was the cause, they were false hearted, they would not walke sincerely with the Lord; and therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he rootetd them out of their Land in his wrath, and in great indignation. Oh the fearefull wrath of the Lord that came upon them!
- 1Psal. 2.3.
